The hearing followsa letter sent from Chairman Royceand other Congressional leaders to the South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit to express their deep concern about the growing ethnic violence and deteriorating security situation in South Sudan.

Chairman Royce on the hearing:“South Sudan has taken a disastrous turn - Africa’s newest nation is Africa’s latest crisis. The U.S. has expended significant time, money, and energy to usher in an independent southern Sudan. Sadly, we now see political figures that once stood up against the brutal regime in Khartoum, with hopes of bringing freedom and prosperity to their people, now turning their weapons against one another. The Committee will hear from the Administration why we’re at this tragic point and how best to use our influence moving forward.”